Case Study: Academy of Art University achieves enhanced campus safety and video surveillance with Salient Systems

Painting a Secure University Education

Academy of Art University in San Francisco needed to modernize security across a sprawling, urban campus of 29 properties serving more than 17,000 students and 20,000 active card-holders after recurring thefts and a failing DVR system. To provide reliable, high-resolution evidence and continuous situational awareness, the university selected Salient Systems and its CompleteView video management software to replace the legacy infrastructure.

Salient Systems implemented an IP‑based CompleteView solution with ACTi megapixel cameras—adding 30 cameras in the Del Monte Cannery and covering facilities such as the Jerrold Bus Center for license‑plate capture—enabling real-time monitoring, advanced search/playback and 24/7 access to footage. The Salient solution produced measurable results: thieves were identified and arrested, campus video aided San Francisco police in prosecuting a homicide, and AAU gained scalable, higher‑resolution surveillance and improved perimeter and asset tracking.

Academy of Art University

Susan Toland

Strategic Initiative Executive, Office of the President